Terms of Reference (TOR) for Assessment of Gender Gaps and Social Norms in Relation to Food and Nutrition

Terms of Reference (TOR) for Assessment of Gender Gaps and Social Norms in Relation to Food and Nutrition

Re-published Date 6 May 2025

End date 13 May 2025 

Duration of Assignment: 25 Days

SAMABIKAS Nepal (literally meaning equity and development) is a right based Organization established by gender and rights activists for assisting the marginalized and excluded sections of the society, who have been the victims of the cultural and socio-economic bias and widespread caste and gender discrimination, in bringing tangible changes in their lives. This is a non-partisan, non-discriminatory and non-religious organization advocating for the establishment of a just and equitable society. The organization is registered by the District Administration Office, Achham on 15 August 2004 (2061-4-31) with registration number 174. The organization is affiliated with the Social Welfare Council with the affiliation number: 13143. It also has got registered with the Internal Revenue Office, Dhangadi with PAN: 301853589. The Organization is being renewed as per government rules.  

With technical and financial support from BMZ/WHH, in collaboration with PeaceWin and WAC Nepal, SAMABIKAS is implementing the project “Women in Climate-Resilient Agri-Systems for Enhanced Nutrition (WE CAN)” in Sanfebagar Municipality and Chaurpati Rural Municipality of Achham District, Sudurpashchim Province. The project targets 2,500 marginalized households (approximately 10,375 people), focusing on those with low socioeconomic status and high vulnerability to nutrition insecurity and climate change, particularly female-headed households.

Like in other parts of the country, gender gaps and inequalities in access to food and nutrition in Achham are deeply influenced by patriarchal norms, food taboos and stereotypes. These social and cultural factors significantly affect women’s access to nutrition services, their ability to consume nutritious food, and ultimately their overall nutritional status.

Therefore, SAMABIKAS Nepal, Achham is seeking consultancy services to conduct a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) assessment that will explore these underlying norms and practices. The findings will inform the project’s GESI-sensitive design, advocacy strategies, and implementation under all three project outputs:

Output 1: The 2500 small holder farming households practice nutrition-sensitive and climate resilient agriculture

Output 2: The capacities of 27 CBOs have been strengthened so that they are able to represent marginalized households in exercising their rights in the areas of nutrition and climate change.

Output 3: Local authorities are sensitized to localized plans on climate resilient agriculture and food security. 

1. Objectives of the Study 

The overall objective of this assessment is to provide a comprehensive analysis of structural, social, and systemic gender inequalities and existing capacities, particularly in relation to decision-making around food access and control over resources. It aims to explore how gender norms shape behaviors, practices, and power dynamics within households and communities, ultimately influencing food and nutrition related decision making.

• The specific objectives are mentioned below:
• Identify and analyze gender gaps in access to nutrition services and food at household and community levels.
• Examine patriarchal norms, food practices, roles and responsibilities in food production, preparation, distribution and consumption and stereotypes that affecting women marginalized groups and communities
• Understand and assess the influence of social norms, cultural beliefs and barriers limiting women's nutritional rights, dietary behavior, intra household food balance, control over resources and decision-making power.
• Generate evidence-based recommendations for the design of gender-responsive and socially inclusive interventions and approaches for further project implementation and advocacy.

2. Scope of Work and Key Tasks

The consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Design and validate GESI assessment tools tailored to the local socio-cultural context.
• Review existing literature and secondary data on gender and nutrition in the region.
• Conduct qualitative data collection through FGDs, KIIs, and household-level interactions (with women, men, youth, marginalized groups, PWDs, elderly people health workers, local and provincial government authorities. 
• Analyze the stakeholder engagement including the government, CSOs, community leaders, and their intervention.
  • Identify key gender disparities and social norms influencing:
  • Household food distribution
  • Women’s access to nutritious food and services
  • Decision-making power over food production and consumption
  • Taboos and restrictions related to food practices
  • Analyze data using a GESI lens (please use gender analysis Matrix) and provide actionable recommendations (by whom, when and how?)
  • Ensure diversity dis-aggregated data to capture intersectional dimension of Inequalities.
• Present key findings at least 2 CSOs network meetings and to the project team

3. Expected Deliverables

• Inception Report: A document outlining how the assessment will be conducted, including tools and techniques and Methodology
• The consultant is expected to submit a detailed methodology in the technical proposal.
• Field Data Collection & Preliminary Findings: Summary of key insights from community consultations and institutional level as well
• Final Assessment Report: prepare a comprehensive assessment report Including analysis, gaps, opportunities, recommendations, and community-validated findings.

4. Responsibilities

• Project Team: Coordinates with local government to ensure the assessment process and ensures alignment with project goals/objective.
• Independent Expert: Develop assessment tools (surveys, interviews, focus group discussion, guidelines and questionnaire). The assessment will implement close collaboration with project staff and government stakeholders of working palika . Collect and analyze data after Assessment of Gender Gaps and Social Norms in Relation to Food and Nutrition. Provide objective recommendations based on the assessment. Design and implement the assessment framework. The results of the assessment will be fed into all measures under the three outputs, into the advocacy interventions on how to address food insecurity, how to address women’s rights at household and community level. The results will also be shared during ongoing farmers group meetings.
• Local Government/ Stakeholders: Provide insight into local policies and framework. Provide oversight and ensure alignment with national/local advocacy frameworks. Facilitate coordination with Assessment of Gender Gaps and Social Norms in Relation to Food and Nutrition and ensure compliance with regulations.

5. Approach of the Assessment

• The assessment will adopt a participatory, inclusive and gender-transformative approach, ensuring inclusive engagement of diverse people from communities, stakeholders and capturing the complexity of gender and social dynamics in food and nutrition systems.  The assessment will use mixed methods combined with primary and secondary data collection for a holistic understanding of gender gaps, social norms and practices in the community.

6. Methodology

6.1 Preparation Phase

• Desk Review: Analyze existing literature, policies, and prior assessments on gender, food, and nutrition in the region.
• Tool Development: Prepare qualitative and quantitative tools including FGDs, KIIs (community people plus local government authorities), and household surveys, with GESI lens.
• Training: Train enumerators on data collection tools, ethical considerations, gender sensitivity, and confidentiality.

6.2 Data Collection

• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Separate sessions for women, men, adolescent and community, and. PWD, single women, elderly and LGBTIA.
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Sufficient number of KII with Local government with local health/nutrition officers, women's CAO, Chair, or deputy, women and dalit members from executive body of respective Local government, teachers, etc.
• Observation: Document norms and practices observed in communities and households.

6.3 Data Analysis

• Conduct thematic and comparative analysis with GESI indicators.
• Identify trends, barriers, enabling factors, and regional variations.
• Map power dynamics and community structures influence food and nutrition access.

7. Key Deliverables

• Inception report and brief presentation
• Data collection 
• Draft Report: Summarize key findings, case studies, and recommendations.
• Validation Workshop: Present findings to community representatives and stakeholders for validation and feedback.
• Final Report: Incorporate feedback, finalize report, and translate key messages into local language where necessary.
• Knowledge Sharing: Share findings during farmers' group meetings, community dialogues, and through project communication within 1 weeks of final report submitted.

8. Ethical Considerations

• Obtain informed consent from all participants.
• Ensure anonymity and confidentiality of responses.
• Use safeguarding protocol when engaging with vulnerable groups, adults and adolescent girls or boys.
• Use culturally appropriate and respectful communication methods.
• Timeline (mentioned duration of assessment)

9. Qualification and experience 

I. Qualification 

The ideal candidate or team conducting the Assessment of Gender Gaps and Social Norms in Relation to Food and Nutrition should possess:

• A master’s degree or higher in Agriculture, Gender studies, sociology, development studies, public policy, community development, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of conducting the Assessment of Gender Gaps and Social Norms in Relation to Food and Nutrition, civil society engagement, and grassroots advocacy.
• Expertise in organizational capacity assessments, stakeholder analysis, and advocacy strategies.
• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including participatory approaches.
• Excellent analytical, report-writing, and communication skills to deliver clear, actionable findings.

II. Experience

The candidate or team should have:

• At least 5–7 years of experience in conducting assessments, evaluations, or research on conducting the Assessment of Gender Gaps and Social Norms in Relation to Food and Nutrition.
• Proven track record in developing capacity-building strategies for community organizations.
• Experience working with community-based initiatives, advocacy networks, or donor-funded programs.
• Prior engagement in policy analysis and development of sectoral recommendations for Gender Gap and social Norms in Relation to food and nutrition.
• Strong background in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, including conducting interviews, focus group discussions, KII and field visits.
• Local candidates or teams with a deep understanding of community dynamics and trust among stakeholders will be prioritized.

10. Required Documents: 

The following documents must be submitted by the applicant(s), application can be submitted by consulting firms or individual consultants: 

I. Administrative Documents

• Letter of Interest (Cover Letter) 
• Registration Certificate (for firms) or National ID/Passport (for individual consultants).
• Tax Compliance Certificate 
• Proof of Local Residency (for individual consultants, if local priority is required).

II. Technical Proposal

• Understanding of the Assignment – A brief explanation of the approach to the assessment.
• Methodology & Work Plan – Detailed plan on how the assessment will be conducted, including tools, data collection techniques, and timelines.
• Team Composition (Inclusive) – CVs of key personnel involved in the assessment, highlighting their roles and responsibilities.
• Experience in Similar Assessments – List of previous assessments conducted, including reports or references.

III. Financial Proposal

• Detailed Budget Proposal – A breakdown of expected costs, including consultancy fees, logistics, and other expenses.
• Payment Terms & Conditions – Proposed schedule for disbursement of funds.

IV. Supporting Documents

• Copies of Previous Reports or Assessments Conducted 
• Recommendation Letters – At least two references from organizations previously worked with.
• Certificates of Training or Expertise (if available)

All documents should be submitted in soft (PDF file) with password protect or Sealed hard copies as per the application guidelines. Incomplete submissions may lead to disqualification.

Application Dateline 

• All applications must be submitted by 13 May 2025.
• Late submissions will not be considered.
• Applications must be submitted via email at samabikas@gmail.com (PDF file with password protect) or sealed hard copy to the designated address.
• Password should provide by the service provider via email between 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM on 14 May 2025  
• The email subject line or envelope should be labeled:
• 📌 “Application for Assessment of Gender Gaps and Social Norms in Relation to Food and Nutrition -[Applicant/Firm Name]”
• The application must include both technical and financial proposals in separate documents.

11. Evaluation & Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

1. Technical Capacity (60%) – Relevant experience, methodology, and qualifications.
2. Financial Proposal (30%) – Cost-effectiveness and budget clarity.
3. Local Expertise (10%) – Priority given to applicants with local knowledge and presence.

Successful applicants will be notified via email/phone.

A formal contract agreement will be signed before the commencement of work.

For inquiries, applicants can contact:

SAMABIKAS Nepal

📩 samabikas@gmail.com

📞 097 590150 / 9868751561

🏢 Sangebagr Municipality -04, Achham